Real Concerts presents
Johnny Clegg: The Official Tribute Concert
Sunday, July 17 2022
Emmarentia Botanical Gardens

In a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic figures in South African music history, the Johnny Clegg Tribute Concert, featuring some of South Africa’s top performers, will take place on Sunday, 17th of July, 2022 at the Emmarentia Botanical Gardens (Johannesburg) and marks the third anniversary of Johnny’s passing.

Johnny Clegg had the special quality of being able to unite people across all backgrounds and generations with his music.  His music has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration and in a time when South Africans and the world need it the most, the lyrics to Great Heart stand true. 

Biggest line-up of performers since ‘Concert in the Park’ to pay tribute to the iconic Johnny Clegg

He certainly captured the hearts of a nation and the tribute concert will feature fellow musicians on one stage that will commemorate his life and his musical career.  Joining the incredible line-up is Cito and Msaki who will share the stage with the likes of lifetime friend Sipho Mchunu, Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Jinjer, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Karen Zoid, The One Who Sings (Zolani Mahola), Francois van Coke, Springbok Nude Girls, Majozi, Ross Learmonth, Kurt Darren, Arno Carstens, Jesse Clegg and the Johnny Clegg band. There will also be a dance tribute performed by dancers from Zululand and the local hostels.

The One Who sings (Zolani Mahola) had this to say, “I am so happy to be included in this tribute to the late great that was Johnny Clegg. His legacy of what it is to truly be oneself and share that self with the world has in no small way I am sure contributed to who I am today. I am The One Who Sings because Johnny Clegg and other giants like him sang their heart songs loud and clear for all to hear. And for that he shall never be forgotten.”

Soweto Gospel Choir said, “Soweto Gospel Choir is truly honoured to be a part of the Johnny Clegg Tribute concert, alongside so many South African music legends.  Just as Johnny was a legend.  We had a 15-year association and friendship with Johnny, sharing the stage with him many times. We admired his talent, his mentorship and his friendship immensely, as he became part of our Soweto Gospel Choir family. We will always keep his legacy in our hearts.”

"I really have fond memories of Johnny and all the work he did. He adored me and I adored him. Johnny gave so much to the cultural and music language of this country and it is an honour to be on the bill to pay tribute to a giant,“ said Sipho Hotstix Mabuse.

Bright Blue, Ella Mental and éVoid are specially flying back to South Africa for this event – the last two having performed alongside Johnny at the Ellis Park Stadium iconic Concert in the Park in 1985.

Francois van Coke said "I had the privilege of meeting and sharing the stage with Johnny once. His humility really stood out for me. I have been a fan since I can remember and will be a fan forever."

The Johnny Clegg Tribute Show is presented by Real Concerts in partnership with 947 and 702.  Says Randall Abrahams, CEO Primedia Broadcasting: "Johnny was, and will always be, an icon in South African music. And in our broader society - Johnny managed to build bridges and foster social cohesion like no other entertainer has done. His legacy should be celebrated and his flame kept alive."

Johnny Clegg – The Tribute Show will take place on Sunday, 17th July 2022 at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens (entrance on Thomas Bowler Street).  Gates open at 10h00 with performances commencing at 11h00 until 18h00.

Money will be raised at the event for the Click Foundation, supporting ‘The Friends of Johnny Clegg’ charity which was established with Johnny in December 2018.

Tickets for Johnny Clegg – The Tribute Show are available from Computicket and TicketPro.

General Admission:
Adult General: R475
Children (under 12): R225

Golden Circle:
Adult: R675
Children (under 12): R325

VIP:
VIP Adult: R1600
VIP Children (under 12): R1600
VIP Includes: (Golden Circle access, VIP Parking, access to VIP marquee with seating, private cash bar and bathroom facilities, and a full view of the stage)

Official secure parking from 09h00 will be available at Roosevelt High School and can be purchased for R25 per vehicle via Computicket.  Access is via the entry gate on c/o Thomas Bowler Street and 5th Avenue. 

"The Capital Hotels & Apartments are really proud to be the official accommodation sponsor of the Johnny Clegg Tribute concert.  There is no better way to pay tribute to one of South Africa's greatest icons" ~ Garnet Basson, COO of The Capital.
 
Enjoy a 15% discount when you book your accommodation with them at The Capital Melrose or any of their hotels nationwide. https://thecapital.co.za/la-famiglia/

Scatterling of Africa
My Early Years
By Johnny Clegg

Release Date: 1 OCTOBER 2021

Pan Macmillan is proud to be releasing Scatterling of Africa, a memoir by Johnny Clegg in October 2021.

‘There are moments in life that are pure, and which seem to hang in the air, unhitched from the everyday world as we know it. Suspended for a few seconds, they float in their own space and time with their own hidden prospects. For want of a better term, we call these moments “magical” and when we remember them they are cloaked in a halo of special meaning.’

For 14-year-old Johnny Clegg, hearing Zulu street music as plucked on the strings of a guitar by Charlie Mzila one evening outside a corner café in Bellevue, Johannesburg, was such a ‘magical’ moment.

The success story of Juluka and later Savuka, and the cross-cultural celebration of music,  language, story, dance and song that stirred the hearts of millions across the world, is well documented. Their music was the soundtrack to many South Africans’ lives during the turbulent 70s and 80s as the country moved from legislated oppression to democratic freedom. It crossed borders, boundaries and generations, resonating around the world and back again.

Less known is the story of how it all began and developed.

Scatterling of Africa is that origin story, as Johnny Clegg wrote it and wanted it told. It is the story of how the son of an unconventional mother, grandson of Jewish immigrants, came to realise that identity can be a choice, and home is a place you leave and return to as surely as the seasons change.

This memoir of the early days is filled with extraordinary stories of the determination with which Johnny pursued his quest to play the music he wanted, to the people who wanted to hear it. Written with passion and humour, it is also a record of the absurdity and tragedy of the times.

The Clegg family has said:
‘We are hugely proud to be able share this memoir that Johnny worked so hard on for several years. For Johnny, this book was both a process of coming to terms with his own cultural identity and reliving the most special, formative moments that defined his journey. This unique South African story is a testament to the power of human connection and friendships across cultural, political and social divides. In his own words, he takes us on the great adventure of his early years with all its hardships, complexities and self-discoveries.  Discussions are underway with a prominent director for the screenplay and an announcement is due shortly.’

Terry Morris, MD of Pan Macmillan South Africa, says:
‘What a privilege for the Pan Macmillan team to bring Johnny’s remarkable memoir into the world.  This book will find its way into the hearts of readers and fans through the mesmerising stories, musings and reflections in which Johnny reveals a world of music and dance and grapples with identity and his own sense of belonging in the world.  Johnny’s writing is steeped in humour and wisdom and you will be richer for having stepped into his world.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Johnny Clegg was born in England on 7 June 1953. He grew up in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and spent a formative year in Zambia as that country transitioned to independence in 1964. Together with Sipho Mchunu, Clegg formed the multiracial band Juluka. They toured the length and breadth of South Africa, performing in township halls and at music festivals. The song ‘Scatterlings of Africa’, a hit in 1979, launched their international career. Clegg died on 16 July 2019, leaving his wife Jenny, and sons Jesse and Jaron.

ENDS

ABOUT PAN MACMILLAN SOUTH AFRICA
Pan Macmillan South Africa is one of the largest general book publishers in South Africa, with a list of local titles published under the Picador Africa and Macmillan imprints. Our focus is to publish high-quality books that have appeal for a broad audience and profile influential and noteworthy South Africans and their stories. Find out more at www.panmacmillan.co.za

New Dates:

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